Stone's solid as a rock (From Free Press Series)

Stone's solid as a rock

A CWMBRAN plasterer has powered his way to a national title and is now setting his sights on further honours.

Nigel Stone won the Welsh Open Powerlifting Championships in Swansea, a notable achievement since it was only his second competition since taking up the sport. The 23-year-old, now based in Pontypool, lifted a combined total of 564 kilograms with a back squat, dead lift and bench press. Stone, 5ft 7in tall and weighing 13st, is now hoping to get a call inviting him to represent his country.

He said: "Now I've shown I'm the best in Wales I hope to go on to win international honours. I definitely want to make it to the Olympics and Commonwealth Games eventually.

"I'm really passionate about my country and it would be incredible to represent Wales or Britain at a major games."

Stone has been weightlifting for five years but only turned his attention to powerlifting 12 months ago.

For the last three months he has been following a rigorous regime where he heads to the Lean Machine gym in Risca after work five times a week for a two-hour training session. Stone added: "There are so many good lifters out there that it is a fantastic achievement to win. It shows all the hard work and commitment does pay off and makes all of the time you give up worth it."